Empowering

English Language Learners

with Results that Matter

5 Principles for Teaching Content

to English Language Learners
All children deserve equal access to content—regardless of language level or ability. To achieve this equity,
Pearson has developed an instructional framework incorporating five essential principles. This instructional
framework is based on the research of numerous language experts, including Dr. Jim Cummins.

1. Identify and Communicate Content

and Language Objectives
When presenting content objectives
• Simplify language (active voice, use same terms consistently)
• Paraphrase
• Repeat Visit
• Avoid idioms and slang
• Be aware of homophones and multiple-meaning words
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• Clarify (with simplified language, gestures, visuals)
• Check for understanding
When working with language objectives focus on
• Key content vocabulary
• Academic vocabulary found across the curriculum
• Language form and function essential for the lesson

2. Frontload the Lesson

Provide opportunities to frontload or preteach lesson elements.
• Activate prior knowledge by connecting to students’ academic, cultural, or personal experiences.
• Build background by explaining new vocabulary or unfamiliar facts and concepts.
• Preview text by reviewing visuals, headings, and/or highlighted text.
• Set a purpose for reading by clarifying comprehension questions at the end of the lesson.
• Make connections by helping students see relationships between the lesson and other aspects of their lives.

3. Provide Comprehensible Input

Make oral and written content accessible by providing support.
• Visuals photos, illustrations, cartoons, multimedia
• Graphics graphs, charts, tables
• Organizers graphic organizers, outlines
• Summaries text, audio, native language

(continued on back)
 3. Provide Comprehensible Input (continued)
• Audio recordings, read-alouds
• Audiovisual aides videos, dramatizations, props, gestures
• Models demonstrations and modeling
• Experiences hands-on learning opportunities, field trips

4. Enable Language Production

Structure opportunities for oral practice with language and content.
Listening and speaking
• Make listening input understandable with a variety of support.
• Model language.
• Allow wait time for students to plan what they say.
Reading and writing
• Tailor the task to each student’s proficiency level.
• Provide support and scaffolding.
• Expect different products from students with different levels of proficiency.
Increasing interaction
• Provide collaborative tasks so students can work together.
• Encourage the development of relationships with peers.
• Lower anxiety levels to enable learning, as indicated by brain research.

5. Assess for Content and Language Understanding

Monitor progress and provide reteaching and intervention when necessary.
Diagnostic Assessment
• Determine appropriate placement.
• Identify strengths and challenges.
Formative Assessment
• Check comprehension in ongoing manner.
• Use appropriate instruction and pacing.
Summative Assessments
• Provide alternative types of assessment when possible, such as projects and portfolios.
• Provide practice before administering formal tests.
Accommodations
• Provide extra time.
• Use bilingual dictionaries.
• Offer oral presentation of written material.

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